INTERIM manager Anthony Limbrick expects Grimsby Town to have to “weather a storm” against Newport County AFC in tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round replay.

Limbrick, who was previously assistant manager, hopes to steer the Mariners through the tie following the departure of Michael Jolley last Friday.

But he knows he faces a tricky task after what has been a tough week for his players.

“It came as a shock and it has been a difficult time for the players and the staff,” Limbrick told the Grimsby Telegraph.

“I’m someone who Michael Jolley brought in. It has been a difficult time and I have no problem in coming out and saying that.

“As we know, football moves on very quickly and I find myself in this position now. I want to do the best I can by the club, the players and fans.

“Any time that you’ve got an opportunity to get through in the FA Cup – and we know with this club what the history and tradition is – is important.

“I saw what it meant to the fans last season when we played Crystal Palace, also with Chelsea this season [in the Carabao Cup] and how the fans view the cup competitions.

“Without doubt that’s a big pull for them and financially it is a big game.”

South Wales Argus:

Former Grimsby striker Padraig Amond came off the bench to level the match and earn the Exiles a 1-1 draw at Blundell Park on November 9 and Limbrick expects another tight game at Rodney Parade tomorrow.

“It’s going to be a tough game at Newport – there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

“They really put some pressure on us in the second half at Blundell Park and they obviously had a great cup run last year.

“It will be a tough place to go and their home record is very good. But if you’re in it, you’ve got a chance.

“It’s a long way for us to travel to get there, but it’s an opportunity for us. We might just take that underdog tag.”

Limbrick added: “Newport are a good side Newport and (Michael) Flynn the manager does a good job. They’ve got players who know their roles and responsibilities. They put you under pressure early.

“The forwards are good. [Tristan] Abrahams has been doing well and Jamille Matt had a good season last season. We all know Podge [Amond], obviously, with him coming off the bench to score.

“They put the ball in the box. They play quick, high-tempo football and the full-backs look to push on and get forward. It will be a challenge and I’m not sure exactly how they will play and set up.

“But we do know they will be highly competitive. Newport really put teams under pressure early on at their place. We will have to weather that storm.”

Read more: Taylor Maloney determined to make his mark for Newport County in the FA Cup